How to Set Parental Controls on Google Chrome

Probably the simplest and easiest way to access the virtual world is through the use of open-source web browsers. Public web search engines like Google Chrome provide convenient and efficient access to the internet. These digital platforms enable users to search for anything and everything they think of with just a few clicks and scrolls. Unfortunately, though, such accessibility is also often the same reason why someone could get easily exposed to certain cyber threats and dangers. And since such risks shouldn’t be taken lightly, even Google has put in place a myriad of parental controls on Google Chrome.

So, if you’re one of the many virtual users wondering Can I set parental controls on Google Chrome? and How do I set up parental controls on Google Chrome without installing third-party software? If yes, then read on as we’ll be sharing with you how to set parental controls on Google Chrome. 

Block or Allow Specific Websites on Chrome

Blocking certain websites or web pages on Chrome could significantly benefit users in various ways. For instance, enabling Chrome parental controls at home can help parents steer their kids away from age-inappropriate content. Setting up Chrome browser parental controls in the workplace can also go a long way in promoting higher productivity and better quality of outputs. It is also a great way to cut distractions and maintain your focus on more important or relevant tasks. 

There are several ways on how to set parental controls on Chrome and one of which is by blocking certain websites. To do so, you could take advantage of the Google add-ons (for web) or utilize a third-party website blocker (for mobile). If you’re utilizing Google Family Link, that’s one of the most ideal and practical ways of blocking or allowing websites.

• On Computer (Web)

1. Launch Chrome Browser on your computer.
2. Type in block site extension in the address bar.
3. Select Block Site – Website Blocker for Chrome™.
4. Click on the Add to Chrome button.
5. On the pop-up menu, click on the Add extension option.
6. Accept or skip the next selections to be prompted, depending on your preferences.
7. Type in the specific URL or domain you wish to block.

• On Mobile

1. Launch the Google Play Store app from your Android device.
2. Search for website blockers and download the software of your choice.
3. Launch the chosen app then follow the on-screen instructions on how to add sites or pages on the blacklist.

• Via Google Family Link

1. Launch the Family Link app.
2. Select the name or profile of your child.
3. Navigate to the Manage settings page.
4. Choose Google Chrome.
5. Tap on the Manage sites option.
6. Click on Approved or Blocked.
7. Tap on the Add an exception button located at the bottom right.
8. Type in the URL address or the domain of the web page/site.
9. Click the Close button at the top left.

Change Website Permission Settings

Permissions grant websites access to the user’s certain data, enabling them to provide more targeted services. And part of the optimization of parental controls in Chrome is the ability of users to customize Google Chrome parental controls settings. There’s a robust collection of permission that could be updated in Google Chrome, including Cookies, JavaScript, pop-ups and redirects, camera and microphone, serial ports, payment handlers, and more. 

Here are the steps on how to utilize parental control browser or enable web browser parental control through website permission settings.

• On Computer

• • For All Sites

1. 1. Launch Chrome.
   2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
   3. Select Settings.
   4. Choose the Privacy and Security option
   5. Customize the permissions you’d like to be updated.

• • For Specific Sites

1. 1. Launch Chrome.
   2. Open a website.
   3. Click on the icon right before the address field (Lock, Info, or Dangerous).
   4. Select Site Settings.
   5. Customize the permissions you’d like to be updated.

• On Android Devices

• • For All Sites

1. 1. Launch Chrome.
   2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
   3. Select Settings.
   4. Navigate to Advanced then click on Site Settings.
   5. Customize the permissions you’d like to be updated.

• • For Specific Sites

1. 1. Launch Chrome.
   2. Open a website.
   3. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
   4. Tap Info then Permissions. 
   5. Tap a specific setting to make a change. Click Reset Permissions to clear settings.

• On iOS devices

• • For All Sites

1. 1. Launch Chrome.
   2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) at the bottom right part of the page.
   3. Select Settings.
   4. Tap on the Content Settings button.
   5. Customize the permissions you’d like to be updated.

Enable Google SafeSearch

Google SafeSearch browser parental control is programmed with algorithms capable of automatically blocking texts, images, videos, pop-ups, whole pages, or any content that’s deemed to be inappropriate for kids or other audiences, or that could threaten any Chrome kid safety. This parental control on Google is password-protected so only the account administrator is capable of retracting any changes made. 

To enable safe search kids in Google, follow these quick and easy steps.

1. Log into your active Google account.
2. Navigate to Google’s Homepage.
3. Access the Settings page.
4. Go to Search Settings.
5. Tick the box before the Turn on SafeSearch selection. 
6. Should you wish to lock SafeSearch on a computer, click on the Lock SafeSearch hyperlink beside the Turn on SafeSearch selection.
7. Scroll down then click on the Save button at the bottom part of the page.

Enable Safe Browsing

Another parental control on Chrome is Google’s Safe Browsing. Programmed with specific triggers – malware, risky extensions, phishing links, unsafe sites – this safety net sets off automatic alerts to stop you from accessing and falling victim to such cyber dangers. Like parental controls for Chrome browser, Safe Browsing is meant to enable users to continue enjoying the products and services offered by Google without compromising the privacy and security of their devices, networks, data, and their personal safety.

Moreover, like all the other parental controls for Google, Safe Browsing can be easily and conveniently activated whenever one needs to.

• On Computer

1. Launch Chrome. 
2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
3. Select Settings.
4. Navigate to the Privacy and security section.
5. Choose the Security option.
6. Select the Safe Browsing level you wish to use – Enhanced protection, Standard protection, No protection.

• On Android

1. Launch Chrome. 
2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
3. Select Settings.
4. Navigate to the Privacy and security section.
5. Choose the Safe Browsing option.
6. Select the Safe Browsing level you wish to utilize – Enhanced protection, Standard protection, No protection.

• On iOS

1. Launch Chrome. 
2. Click the More icon (three-dot button) on the uppermost right part of the page.
3. Select Settings.
4. Choose the Google Services option.
5. Enable the Safe Browsing feature.

Create a Child Profile

Google Search, Gmail, and Google Chrome for kids are meant to help parents supervise their kids’ account usage. This parental control Chrome and other Google products are specifically created for kids aged 13 and below, or depending on the application or specifically mandated age in your country/region.

Creating a specific profile for your child is an easy way of enabling parental control for Google Chrome. Here’s how.

• Family Link App

Note that this process doesn’t apply to users from the European Union with children aged 13 to 15.

1. Launch the Family Link app.
2. Click on the Create button at the top right.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions in creating an account for a child.
4. Confirm the setup to save.

• New Android Device

Follow this process if you’re setting up a new Android device run by Android 5.1 or up.

1. Turn on the new device and start the initial setup process as indicated on the screen.
2. When prompted to log in to your Google Account, click on the Create new account option. Navigate to the More options section first if this option isn’t initially displayed.
3. Complete setting up your child’s account by providing the required information, including name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
4. Sign in with your personal Google Account to provide parental consent, as well as to customize your child’s account settings.

• New Chromebook

Follow this process if you’re setting up a new Chromebook run by ChromeOS M71 or up.

1. Turn on the new device and start the initial setup process as indicated on the screen
2. When prompted to log in to your Google Account, click on the Create new account option. You might want to navigate to the More options section first if this option isn’t initially displayed.
3. Complete setting up your child’s account by providing the required information, including name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
4. Sign in with your personal Google Account to provide parental consent, as well as to customize your child’s account settings.

• Previously Set Up Android Device

Follow this process for a previously set up Android device run by Android 5.1 or up. Note that the instructions may slightly vary depending on the Android brand, model, or OS version.

1. Remove all existing accounts logged in the Android device.
2. Wipe all data and content you think might not be appropriate for your kid.
3. Follow and complete the steps on adding a new account.
4. When prompted to log in to your Google Account, click on the Create new account option. You might want to navigate to the More options section first if this option isn’t initially displayed.
5. Complete setting up your child’s account by providing the required information, including name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
6. Sign in with your personal Google Account to provide parental consent, as well as to customize your child’s account settings.

• Other Devices and Computers

1. Navigate to the Google Account creation page, https://accounts.google.com/signup.
2. Complete setting up your child’s account by providing the required information, including name, birthday, gender, email address, and password.
3. Sign in with your personal Google Account to provide parental consent, as well as to customize your child’s account settings.

Install Chrome Extensions

Another parental control Google Chrome you could try is adding third-party extensions meant for content filtering or site screening. Chrome parental controls extensions are efficient and reliable; plus, these are easy to set up. 

Here’s how to put parental controls on Google Chrome via extensions.

1. Browse through the Chrome Web Store for available extensions like Parental Control – Adult Content Blocker.
2. Select the extension you think would best suit your needs.
3. Click on Add to Chrome.
4. Review and allow any permission requests if any.
5. Click on Add extension.
6. Click on the extension’s icon on the right side of the address bar to enable it. 

Install Parental Control Software

So, those are the different ways on how to set parental controls on Google Chrome. Note, however, there are also other efficient ways of enabling or activating parental controls Google Chrome.

Monitoring software, for instance, grants remote real-time access to target devices, making it easier for the user to identify and address any issues. Aside from monitoring features and tracking tools, such apps are also packed with device security settings and parental controls in Chrome, making them great additions to your device safety tools. Hence, spy software like Auto Forward, Highster Mobile, and TurboSpy could also make up for great parental control on Chrome Browser tools. 

Activating and utilizing parental control software might vary depending on the brand or package you avail of but in most cases, it only takes 3 quick and easy steps to enable parental controls for Google Chrome through these third-party apps. 

1. Download – Choose the package you wish to avail of then start the installation process by clicking on an over-the-air (OTA) link. Physical access to the target device is required.
2. Activate – Fully activate the software utilizing a unique license code then complete the setup of the account.
3. Access – Log in to your dashboard where you can access, customize, and control the target device.

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